KTT Vanilla Ice Cream vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, a linear switch, and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch. The Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to its use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing, giving typists a satisfyingly high-pitched and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a balanced tactile feedback that adds character to your typing experience without being too overwhelming. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal typing style and sound preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both play a significant role in the sound signature of the switches. The Vanilla Ice Cream uses a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials contribute to a distinct sound experience, the KTT blend may offer a slightly more pronounced clack compared to the polycarbonate.
In terms of durability and smoothness, the housing materials of the two switches also differ. The Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing known for its smoothness and durability, with wear resistance stronger than POM and shock resistance surpassing Nylon. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to a smooth and clacky feel, the nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor enhances the overall sound experience with its sound absorption properties.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream and the Haimu Viola Tricolor results in different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The KTT blend and POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream offer a clacky sound and smooth keystrokes, while the polycarbonate and nylon materials of the Viola Tricolor deliver a sharper sound and deeper typing experience. Despite the differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and durability, making them reliable options for enthusiasts seeking unique typing experiences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch are significantly lighter compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch. The Vanilla Ice Cream requires 43 grams of force to actuate and 48 grams to bottom out, making it a light switch overall. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor's actuation force is unknown but has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. Some users may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream for its lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor might appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch. The Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a slightly deeper key press, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or other activities where a more substantial feel is desired. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile that is sharp and crisp, perfect for those who prefer a more vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound that adds character to typing, with a deeper and richer bass-heavy tone. Both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their desired typing environment.
In terms of feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy sensation, offering a buttery and seamless keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a more accented and invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback and moderate actuation force that creates a snappy and immersive typing sensation. Both switches excel in delivering a satisfying tactile experience, with the Vanilla Ice Cream focusing on a silky glide and the Viola Tricolor offering a balanced tactile feedback that enhances typing performance.
In conclusion, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer different sound and feel qualities, they both excel in providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a high-pitched clacky sound with a buttery feel or a bassy punchy sound with pronounced feedback, both switches offer top-notch performance that will enhance your typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are aiming for.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a noticeable tactility that is not overwhelming, then the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typists, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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